Joseph Guzman ‘16

History and Sociology Major

"I decided to attend St. Joseph's College because when I visited the school it seemed like a friendly environment. The small size of the college was also appealing because it indicated that as a student you would not simply be viewed as a number. I have had a really good experience at St. Joseph's so far. I have been able to discover the areas of study that interest me with the help of excellent faculty. The school also provides great resources in regards to the library and the Office of Career and Development.

"After graduation I hope to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in sociology or history (ideally both). I do not yet know what I wish to do career-wise, but hopefully it is in the realm of academia where I can increase my knowledge.

"I simply hope to increase my knowledge. During my time at St. Joseph's I have really discovered the value of education and even if I end up homeless this knowledge cannot be taken away from me. Thus far, this has been achieved, and I wish that it continues."

"I have always liked history, and once I started college it really became clear to me that history is the field that I would like to focus on. Before college I never took a sociology course, but my first course really piqued my interest. Sociology provides individuals with ways to examine social issues and life in general in a completely different way than is normal, particularly in the United States where there is such a focus on the individual. I feel that sociological ideas are extremely powerful and have the ability to change the world for the better.

"As a kid my dream job was being a professional baseball player. I do not still hold this dream, but I would not mind having a career related to sports or involved with physical activity. On the other hand, I would love to have a job that involves research in the field of sociology, history, or both.

"I simply hope to increase my knowledge. During my time at St. Joseph's I have really discovered the value of education and even if I end up homeless this knowledge cannot be taken away from me. Thus far, this has been achieved, and I wish that it continues."

Favorite book? Quote?

"My favorite book is The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander.

"My favorite quote is:

'Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize that we cannot eat money.'"

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

"The biggest influence in my life has been my deceased grandfather. He was the best person that I have ever known who constantly helped other and was very loving. He always preached that "family comes first" and I try to live by this."

Have you been a part of any service activities that were meaningful to you?

"During my freshman year I volunteered at a nearby church to help Occupy Sandy sought through donations and make care packages for victims of Hurricane Sandy."

If you had to give one reason for a student to choose St. Joseph’s College, what would it be?

"If I had to give a reason for a student to choose St. Joseph's College it would be that students are able to develop relationships with their professors which greatly enhances the educational experience."

What do you do in your spare time?

"I am very into physical fitness. Exercising is one of the things that I am most dedicated to and is something that I will do for the rest of my life."

What was the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

"The biggest challenge that I had to overcome was the death of my grandfather. He was the most influential person in my life and someone that I loved more than life itself. His death was the worst thing that has ever happened to me and is something that to this day hurts to think about."

What is the best advice someone has ever given you?

"The best advice that someone has ever given me was my former high school teacher who simply told me to use my ability. I have tried my best to do this since and has worked out so far."

If you made front page news, what would be the headline?

"Guzman Puts End To Environmental Destruction, Poverty, And All Forms Of Discrimination."

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Esse non videri — “To be, not to seem.”

The mission of St. Joseph’s College is to provide a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, rooted in a liberal arts tradition that supports provision for career preparation and enhancement. READ OUR FULL MISSION.